Contentions

AIPAC released a statement on the flotilla. It is a remarkable effort to weave around the Obama administration, which plainly doesn’t see things AIPAC’s way. But far be it from AIPAC to make that clear. The statement, with my translation in brackets, reads as follows:

AIPAC commends Israel’s decision to undertake a thorough, introspective look at all aspects of the flotilla incident. The Jewish state’s long tradition of transparent self-examination is dramatic and courageous, and it highlights what distinguishes Israel from its neighbors and many of its harshest — and most hypocritical — critics. Unlike any other country in the Middle East, and many throughout the world, Israel is a fellow democracy with a celebrated legal tradition and judiciary, and a Supreme Court with a history of independence and credibility. [Unfortunately, we have to say this because the administration doesn’t comprehend this and continues to insult the only democracy in the region.]

We welcome [because we have to say “welcome” or the administration will be mad at us, but we really mean we’re gritting our teeth about] the Obama administration’s support [grudging and condescending] for the Israeli commission investigating the flotilla incident, which clearly meets the call of the Security Council for a prompt, impartial, credible and transparent investigation. [But Obama won’t say this and continues to leave the door open for an international kangaroo court.]

The White House recognized Israel’s decision to investigate itself as an “important step forward” and expressed its respect for the Israeli judicial system [but obnoxiously ordered it to present the findings for the thugocracies that populate the UN]. AIPAC calls on the Obama administration to act decisively at the United Nations and other international forums to block any action — including alternative investigations supported by the Secretary General — which would isolate Israel. [Which it hasn’t done, and we compounded the offense by praising the UN Security statement.]

At a time when the so many countries are seeking to unfairly stigmatize and isolate Israel, challenge its right to self-defense and judge it by a double standard, once again we expect the United States to stand with our ally Israel. [But it hasn’t, so how can we, as the premier pro-Israel group, remain silent?]

In fact, in private and off the record, there isn’t a Jewish “leader” among the many that populate mainstream Jewish groups who wouldn’t agree with the “translation.” It is only by convincing themselves that “working quietly through back channels” is an effective strategy that they have decided not to say these things in public, on the record. I wouldn’t begrudge them that approach if there were the slightest indication it is working. But it’s not. And that, too, they will privately concede.